One More Bravado Beale Backstory

 February 6, 2026

   Just when some of you were hoping I was finished with Beal? Here is another Beale on the brain drain.

Daily Whip Out: "Beale Washed"

   When to stop? That is the question. Here is an earlier wash version, born from the online slam that "all my paintings are too dark and overworked."

Daily Whip Out: "Beale Light"

“A camel’s back is broken by the last straw, but it bears many before.”

—Old Vaquero Saying

   And, speaking of last straws, just got this comment about my recent obsession with Ned Beale:

"The 'last straw' will be another blog post on Beale. Folks, see what happens when you whine about too much Wyatt or Billy?"

—Unknown

The Father of The Mother Road

   He crossed the country thirteen times in his storied career. He was the hero of the Battle of San Pasqual during the Mexican War. He carried the first proof of California gold to Congress and President Polk, toting a seven-pound gold nugget he purchased with his own money. He was in the Navy and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. After that he became a millionaire businessman in California. He served as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and surveyed possible railroad routes across Colorado and Utah. Oh, and then he became a brigadier general in the Californian militia. And then, after all that, President James Buchanan appointed him to survey and build a 1,000 mile wagon road from Arizona to California. And, on top of that, he was ordered to test a group of camels brought in from Tunis for the purpose of seeing if they could be of use in the American West.

   Kit Carson was quoted as saying, "I can't believe this guy Ned Beale."

On June 25, 1857, Edward Fitzgerald "Ned" Beale departed San Antonio with mules, horses, freight wagons, camels and a bright red ambulance wagon used primarily for supplies Among his crew was Hadju Ali, a Greek-Syrian who would become known to Americans as Hi Jolly.

The hardships of the journey were relentless.

His subsequent report, titled Wagon Road from Fort Defiance to the Colorado River, covers the road he surveyed, tested and proved and that later evolved into Route 66.

   How's THAT tease for the next issue of True West?

“The more I see of them, the more I am convinced of their usefulness. Their perfect docility and patience under difficulties renders them invaluable.”

—Ned Beale on his camels